D r . T e t l t ) o t ’s G iu ie s t io n
M EAN ING OF MAGDALENE Q. Why was one of the Marys who followed Christ named “ the Magda lene? ” Was this because she was an immoral woman? There are hospitals and homes for fallen women which use the name “Magdalene” and even Webster’s Dictionary defines a “Mag dalene” as a “ reformed prostitute.” A. This is unfortunate indeed. Mary was called “Magdalene” simply be cause she came from the village of Magdala, as one would be called “ an Angeleno” who resided in Los Ange les. There is no evidence in Scripture that she had been immoral. It is true that she had been delivered from de mon possession (Mark 16:9) and was a completely transformed person who loved Christ with all her heart. It is too bad that Mary of Magdala, Mary Magdalene, is so often confused with the woman “ who was a sinner” (a term often used for prostitutes) des cribed in Luke 7:36-40. There is no proof that that woman was Mary. How many errors have crept into the narratives with regard to the life of our Lord Jesus Christ and His fol lowers! A typical example of these traditions without foundation is the Christmas scene with the shepherds and the wise men worshipping to gether at the manger! It was fully two years (likely more) after the birth of Jesus that the sages of the East found the “ young child” and wor shipped Him “ in the house” (Mat thew 2:11). However, this mistake is not as serious as the one concerning Mary Magdalene. Another grave error that even some Protestants believe is the claim that Jesus was the only child Mary ever bore. True, He was her only Virgin- born Son, whose Father was God, not a man; He was her first-born Son. But there are many references which indicate that AFTER the birth of Je sus, Mary bore other children to her husband Joseph, so that Jesus had
brothers and sisters after the flesh. We have the names of his brothers given in Matthew 14:55 as James, Joses, Si mon, and Judas, and his “ sisters” mentioned, although their names are not recorded. If we would heed the actual teachings of the Bible, rather than the traditions of men, we would not be led away from facts. T ITH ING FOR TODAY? Q. Should a Christian tithe his in come, since we are “ not under law, but under grace” ? A. Although it is true that we are not under the Mosaic Law, yet it seems to me that the tithe is the least the Christian should want to give to the Lord. It was instituted long before Moses was born, and seems to be the scriptural basis for all giving. Abra ham gave a tithe 400 years before the law was given. (See Gen. 14:20; cf. Gen. 28:22.) On the other hand, there is no instruction given in the New Testa ment about the tithe. God does say through Paul that we should give “ upon the first day of the week” — regularly; “ as God hath prospered” us (I Cor. 16:2); first giving our own selves to the Lord (II Cor. 8 :5 ); cheer fully (II Cor. 9:7); with joy; and out of a sense of gratitude to God who has given His all for us. Read careful ly all of chapters eight and nine of II Corinthians. To make tithing a binding com mandment in this age of grace, is to return to legalism, but many Chris tians testify to the fact that, as they have let the tithe be the beginning of their giving, God has prospered them to such an extent that they have had all the more to give. But let it be remembered that God does not al ways prosper His saints accordingly. Some of the most liberal, devoted Christians never have much, in a ma terial way, in this life. Therefore, to summarize what we
have said: Every child of God should be consistent, faithful, systematic, cheerful in his giving. The tithe seems to be the scriptural principle. God’s people under the law were ser vants; God’s people under grace are sons. And though, under grace, tith ing is not obligatory; yet why should God’s people in this dispensation give less than the less favored people un der the law? “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price” (I Cor. 6:19, 20 ). “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or o f necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:6, 7). CHURCH SOCIALS Q . Is it right for churches and young people’s societies to have socials with programs and refreshments a f t e r which nothing is said of Christ but rather is all worldly talk and laugh ter? A. There are two sides to this ques tion and the answer depends upon the motivation. If the purpose of such gatherings is to interest young peo ple in the things of God, and to bring in unsaved ones, I see no harm in refreshments and a program of gen eral interest. However, these things can so easily get out of hand that they must be directed by wise, spirtual leaders. I think in any Christian gath ering there should always be some presentation of the Lord, Scripture read, and prayer offered. Nothing in the program should be such that God’s blessing cannot be asked upon it. There are many instances of people being saved through such contacts. But never should such occasions be used for “ raising money for the church” — or just to entertain.
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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